Blog Posts Tagged Universal Orlando

Bigfire – Universal Orlando

10/24/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando • If you love grilled food and are hoping for a great one during your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Bigfire. Located in Universal Citywalk, Big Fire is home to all things cooked over an open flame, and just a short walk from either of the two theme parks. My husband and I love a steak, so we knew we had to give this a try on our most recent trip. We were seated upstairs near a faux fireplace. Luckily it didn't give off any real heat as we were hot from the Florida sunshine. We began our meal with the hearth oven baked bread. This bread is served with an herbed butter and peach preserves. We also tried the wood charred brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts and these did not disappoint. They are served over a toasted almond puree which added a nice contrast in texture. […]

Universal Orlando Refillable Mug Options – What You Need to Know

8/26/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando • Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Keep in mind, you’ll be busy walking, riding, laughing, exploring, making memories, and working up a thirst! That’s where Universal’s refillable mug options come in handy. Whether you're staying at a Universal hotel or heading into the parks, there are ways to save on drinks and stay refreshed. Resort Refillable Mugs If you're staying at a Universal hotel, you can purchase a refillable resort mug for unlimited drinks at your hotel only. That includes soda, coffee, tea, and slushies at the resort’s self-serve stations. How it works: *Buy once, refill throughout your stay *Use only at your hotel (not in the theme parks and not at other resorts) *Great for coffee in the morning or a soda by the pool *Cost: Usually $10–$20, depending on length of stay* Park Refillable Freestyle Cups Inside the theme parks and CityWalk, you’ll find Coca-Cola Freestyle refillable […]

Your Rainy Day Survival Guide at Epic Universe!

8/5/2025 • Universal Studios Orlando • How to make the most of your day at Epic Universe in the rain! 1. Know Which Rides Stay Open These attractions remain operational—even in rain (except during thunderstorms): *Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Dark Universe) *Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World) *Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Ministry of Magic) *Constellation Carousel (Celestial Park) Plus, even if queues are mostly outdoors, Le Cirque Arcanus (Wizarding World) and The Untrainable Dragon show (Isle of Berk) usually operate with covered lines and indoor seating. You don’t want to miss these! 2. Pack Smart Rain Gear *Lightweight, compact ponchos (buy in advance—they’re cheaper and pack smaller) *Water-resistant shoes or covers, plus extra socks *Quick-dry clothing *Ziploc bags for electronics and essentials *Umbrella 3. Hit Outdoor Attractions FIRST! *Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Curse of the Werewolf, Mine-Cart Madness, Donkey Kong 4. Embrace Indoor Attractions & Entertainment *Use rainy periods to explore inside: *Dark Universe: Monster: Unchained, shops, Monster Makeup Experience […]

Tipping at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

4/29/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • There are so many people on a Walt Disney World vacation that add to the magical feeling of your vacation that it’s easy to get confused on who to tip and how much is appropriate to thank them for helping you out so here’s a list of people to thank and general ranges for appropriate amounts to help answer your questions. Transportation Once you arrive in Orlando, if you are not renting a car, as many people don’t, you need to get to your resort and may have a rideshare driver, a shuttle service, or a private car driver. Rideshare apps will give you some options for tipping, usually 15-25%. Shuttle service drivers are usually tipped for handling your baggage – usually $1-3 per bag. Lastly, private drivers should be tipped between 15-25% of your ride fare of which some companies will charge an amount in advance. Bring along cash […]

What is Epic Universe?

2/4/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando • Universal Orlando Resort is always at the forefront of thrilling experiences, and with the unveiling of their brand-new park, Epic Universe, it’s clear that they’re setting a new standard for immersive entertainment. Opening in 2025, this highly anticipated addition promises to be a game-changer for the theme park world, introducing cutting-edge technology, innovative attractions, and an entirely new level of storytelling. Epic Universe is Universal's fourth theme park at its Orlando Resort, and it’s set to completely transform the guest experience. With the park's introduction, visitors can expect new lands, blockbuster attractions, and plenty of surprises around every corner. The concept is centered around one core idea: expanding Universal’s immersive storytelling and bringing guests into new worlds with a level of detail and interactivity never seen before. Key Details About Epic Universe: • Opening Date: Grand Opening on May 22, 2025 • Location: Epic Universe will be located near Universal's […]

5 Tips for Traveling with a Baby to Universal Orlando

3/4/2024 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • Will you be traveling to Universal Orlando with an infant? Our family recently visited with all of our children the youngest being not quite one year old. While traveling with an infant can make your trip more complicated, here are 5 tips to help take the stress out of your next Universal Orlando vacation. 1. Plan mid-day breaks. Universal Orlando has some great shows that will help you beat the heat and give your little one a chance to rest. One of our favorite shows to do this is Animal Actors on Location. This is an outdoor shaded theater with seating and is a great show for all ages. We also like to make mid-day dining reservations for a chance to cool off. 2. Have groceries and baby essentials delivered to your resort. Our family always has a service deliver basic groceries and bottled water to our resort. This is […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

9/10/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando • If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World and Aquatica. • If golf is on your agenda, you are given priority tee times and complimentary transportation to select area golf courses. • Shop, shop, shop throughout the Universal property and enjoy complimentary delivery of packages to your resort. • Being on-site also provides easy access to and from […]

Vacationing at Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel

12/14/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando • If vacationing like a Rockstar piques your interest, then Universal’s Orlando Hard Rock Hotel might be your next vacation destination! The resort offers luxury accommodations with distinct rock and roll theming throughout, from the moment you enter the lobby and smell the “essence” of a Rockstar, to your hallway stroll which takes you past some incredible rock n’ roll memorabilia, such as one of John Lennon’s suits or even Elvis’ pajamas. The resort offers several types of rooms and suites, all of which are adorned with musical touches and luxury appointed features that will not disappoint. The mirrors in the rooms even show notches of heights for some of your favorite celebrities Justin Timberlake or even little Shirley Temple. The resort also offers club level rooms which include continental breakfast, soda and water throughout the day, and then an evening reception featuring appetizers, smaller entrees, like chicken or hot dogs, […]

Shutterbutton’s – Bring Home a Magical Memory of Your Time in Diagon Alley

11/30/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • They say a picture is worth 1000 words but a moving photo from your time spent at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? There aren’t enough words to express the fun and magic that you experience at Shutterbutton’s. Located in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Shutterbutton’s is a wizard photography store that captures both moving and still photographs for wizards to share with their friends, even muggles. Sessions are available for up to 4 people at a time and are recorded in one of two simple photography rooms, each with a green screen and an old-fashioned camera. Props such as robes and wands can be borrowed but if you plan on purchasing either of these as souvenirs, I recommend you purchase them before your appointment so you can have them at your disposal. Ollivander's Wand Shop happens to be located across the road from Shutterbutton’s so you can first […]

Your Preschooler and Universal Studios Orlando Resort

10/6/2021 • Universal Studios Orlando • Many clients ask us if their children are too young to visit theme parks. Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers unique experiences for preschool children in its theme parks. Before you plan your trip with your preschooler to the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, it is important that you think about the following points: Is your child: tall enough to ride the attractions? familiar with the characters and themed experiences at the Universal Resort? adventurous and willing to ride attractions that include motion simulators, 3D films, fast or tall drops, and spinning ride cars? more low key and prefer a playground and/or carnival style attractions? Your answers to these questions will ultimately help your decision on which parks and attractions to visit at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort. Universal Studios does contain a preschool friendly area featuring Woody Woodpecker and Curious George with a playground and splash pad. An animal show and […]